- Manchester United amongst other Premier League clubs interested in left-back
- 25-year-old came through Liverpool academy
- Some United fans may not be best pleased with target
Manchester United’s summer plans are beginning to take shape, and it seems as though left-back is the next best area to recruit in after central midfield.
Much of the transfer talk has been around whether the club will opt for a superstar name or someone closer to home, like Elliot Anderson. However, United could look to target more than just the 23-year-old from Nottingham Forest as new reports emerge.
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United Interested in Williams
According to a BBC Sport report, Manchester United are among a host of clubs that have made “discreet enquiries” about Forest defender Neco Williams.
The Red Devils are joined by the likes of Newcastle United, Aston Villa, and Everton in monitoring the Welsh international. Williams’ stock has risen significantly since his £12m move from Liverpool in 2022, where he has established himself as fully fledged starter.
Williams has been in stellar form at the City Ground, racking up 51 appearances this season. This has included being a part of Forest’s run to the Europa League semi-final, where they lost against Villa. His consistent performances in the top flight have clearly caught the eye of INEOS at Old Trafford.
Michael Carrick‘s side is looking to find competition for Luke Shaw. The former Southampton player is currently the only natural left-back in the squad. The 30-year-old has featured in every Premier League game so far this season, with two left to play.
However, Mokbel writes that “Forest are determined” to keep Williams around. The club will even look to offer the Welshman a new bumper contract this summer to wane away any interest from English sides.
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Liverpool Connections Could Rile Fans
Williams is naturally a right-back, but his tactical flexibility to operate on either flank makes him an asset. In one sense, he is of a similar mould to Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui, who can also do the same.
The Forest star has played the majority of his game on the left this season. At times, he has even played further as a wingback under Vitor Pereira when a 3-4-2-1 setup has been preferred.
For United, the pursuit of Williams fits the reported INEOS profile of being a home-grown talent with Premier League pedigree. However, some fans may have a moral problem, considering that his home-grown status was honed at Liverpool.
Williams grew up in Merseyside, representing the Kop at U18, U19 and U23 levels, before making 13 appearances for the senior team. Yet, it was his move to Forest that reinvented him as an experienced fullback.
